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If you live in a city, you should probably invest in a bike. I’m not saying go sans-car…lord knows that my wife and I couldn’t do that. However, having a bike can equal some significant savings in the long term, and a substantial return on investment.

Lets say that you take some form of public transportation to and from work on a daily basis. Lets also assume that in doing so you need to make one transfer. In Chicago, if you are using the Chicago Card or Chicago Card Plus (and you SHOULD BE, since it alone saves you money), then your daily commute is $2 each way, $4 round trip. Over the course of a year that really adds up, guessing that you actually take the public transit everyday to work you can potentially end up with 260 days. That makes your total cost for transportation to work a substantial $1,040 a year. Thats nothing to laugh at, that is a new guitar, or week long vacation for two.

Sure, public transit is a great way to travel, and I think if you are in a city you should be using it to the fullest extent instead of driving. But what if you could cut part of that cost down. It is safe to say that even in the city of Chicago the weather should permit a casual bike rider to ride six months out of a year. Why not spend those six months commuting on your bike?

A lot of people automatically say “its too far” or “I’m tired when get off of work.” I can understand both points, to an extent. The “its too far” argument holds more weight to me than the ‘too tired argument.’ However, what is “too far”? Personally I have about a 7 mile commute each way to work, and it takes me about 25 minutes once my tires hit pavement. Compare that to the 35 minute minimum I’m looking at if I take the train….actually saving time each day by riding my bike. To be honest, my commute could be twice as long as it is and I’d still be apt to make it via bike, and I’m not in the greatest shape.

The ‘too tired’ excuse is really pretty weak. I’ve been guilty of using it, or wanting to use it, but the reality is that when I leave work on my bike I get 1/2 an hour to myself, lost in my thoughts, and taking out my frustrations for the day on the poor pedals of my bike. Then, when I do get home and shower, I’m far more relaxed an pleasant for my wife to deal with.

But the real reason I’m writing this is for the financial benefits of commuting via a bike. Some may say that a good bike is just simply too expensive. Fact of the matter is that is not true, in Chicago alone there a number of organizations that will help you find an affordable bike that fits your needs and budget. But lets assume for a moment that you decided to spend $500 on your new bike.

Over the course of six months of commuting (if you stuck to it) you would end up saving more than the cost of your bike, $520 using the figures from above. Even if you didn’t do it for a full six months, for example, three months a year, your bike would have paid for itself in 2 years, after that its all gravy. The best part about all of this really aren’t the financial aspects though. You’ll feel better, you’ll be exercising and getting in shape, which we all need to do, you’ll be lessening your carbon footprint on the world, all good things. So think about taking up a bike ride for your commute, its definitely worth your time.